In the past few decades utilization of agricultural wastes as reinforcing materials with polymer matrices has increased. However, the improper adhesion between the incompatible matrix and fibre has been inimical to the proper utilization of this abundant, naturally occurring resource. Mercerization of fibres can be an effective technique to improve the compatibility between the two. In the present case rice husk flour was pre-treated with NaOH solution of varying concentrations and the effects on the mechanical properties was observed. The adhesiveness between the matrix and the fibre improved as is evidenced by the increase in mechanical strength of the composite. It was observed that all the properties increased as the concentration was increased upto 8%. However, beyond 8% there is a decrease in these mechanical properties which can be attributed to the severe deterioration of rice husk due to alkali treatment.